Try Dorit for FreeUrgent Defect
A severe defect that impairs essential use of the apartment or poses a hazard to occupants, requiring immediate repair by the landlord.
Urgent defects include burst main water lines, ceiling leaks or collapses, broken heating in winter or air conditioning during severe heatwaves, total power outages, and damaged front entrance doors that present a security risk. A defect is classified as urgent if it renders the apartment unfit for its intended purpose or poses a health and safety risk.
Landlords must take action to address urgent repairs within 24 to 72 hours. If the landlord fails to respond or delays, the tenant may carry out an immediate repair independently, bill the landlord (even without prior consent), or seek emergency court relief. Unreasonable delays in resolving an urgent defect can be treated as a fundamental breach of contract.
What kind of apartment are you looking for?
Dorit scans the web 24/7 and sends you an alert the moment a matching apartment goes live
Related terms
Standard Defect
A non-critical defect that affects comfort without rendering the apartment unusable, requiring repair within 30 days.
Landlord's Duty to Repair
A landlord's legal obligation to repair apartment defects not caused by the tenant and to maintain the property in a livable condition.
Habitable Apartment
A safe, fully functional rental unit that tenants can live in without risking their health, safety, or daily comfort.
The information in this glossary is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. In the event of a dispute or a specific legal question, consult an attorney specializing in tenancy law.